Struggling college may move

Shimer considers relocating to IIT

Shimer College may repeat a history lesson learned more than 25 years ago when self-preservation forced the school to move from western Illinois to Waukegan.

The small liberal arts college on the north side of the city may relocate next summer to the Illinois Institute of Technology on the South Side of Chicago. The relocation is a survival move because Shimer's enrollment has been stagnant for 15 years, said Young Kim, chairman of the college's board of trustees.

IIT invited Shimer to its campus at 3300 S. Federal St., and college officials say they will decide by January whether to accept the offer.

"I think we are obliged to move in order to survive," Kim said. "[But] there's no imminent crisis forcing us to move."

The college would probably have to shut down eventually if it stays in Waukegan because it has been unable to get its enrollment above 110 students and it needs a minimum of 200. "It's just not sustainable," Kim said.

"We do see growth as essential to the college," said President William Craig Rice.

Thom Karnik, director of communications and marketing at IIT, confirmed that the colleges are negotiating a lease.

Shimer, which opened in the 1850s in Mt. Carroll, would maintain its independence at IIT and enter into a long-term agreement for a building on the campus.

Most of Shimer's Waukegan facilities would be liquidated, Kim said. The science classes for home-schooled students would remain in Waukegan for the time being, according to a news release. The college has a weekend program for adults that would be moved to IIT, although school officials said courses would be held in Waukegan if there is a demand.

At IIT, Shimer students would have access to more amenities, including a fitness center, and the opportunity to take advantage of some IIT academic offerings, such as a pre-med program.

"We would be able to offer our students more," Kim said.

Shimer students attend classes primarily in houses converted to classrooms on Genesee Street. The school moved to Waukegan in 1979. The college is best known for its curriculum based on the Great Books and Western intellectualism in which students participate in discussions with the faculty rather than listen to lectures.

Shimer has an intimate atmosphere and almost none of the frills found at larger colleges. For example, the college doesn't have food service or a gym. But students say that's what makes Shimer unique, and some would prefer to stay in Waukegan.

"It would be much more difficult to keep our community," said Kyra Keuben, 21, of Wheaton as she and other students spent time last week in Shimer's bookstore, which is in the living room of a converted house.

"I think the students here don't care as much about those things," said Sarah Green, 25, of Pittsburgh.

Some Shimer students said they worry that the wooden tables used during class discussions literally won't fit in the building where Shimer would be housed at IIT. In addition, they said they would miss the baked goods that students make every Friday to share.

But Colby Somerville, 21, of Florida said the small student body can make life frustrating at times. "We're kind of lacking in diversity that way," he said.

Shimer officials have been trying for years to create a campus in Waukegan out of its 14 buildings, but it's too costly to build a campus, Kim said. In addition, Shimer has been unable to run a capital campaign to raise money, but Kim said that would probably change if the school moved to IIT because the alumni are in favor of the relocation.

If Shimer moves south, students would be able to live in a dedicated wing of an IIT dorm or off campus, and students at both colleges would be able to attend classes at either school, officials said.

Kim, who graduated from Shimer in 1973, said he doubts the school will be swallowed up by IIT.

"We have such a strong identity," he said.

Waukegan Mayor Richard Hyde said he plans to meet soon with Rice. And Ald. Rick Larsen said Shimer has been an asset to Waukegan, citing certificate programs that the school offers for teachers.